As the cool air and vibrant colors of autumn set in, so do the sounds that make this season special, children laughing as they trick-or-treat, the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot, and the crackling of a warm fire. Now imagine how much less enjoyable your fall experience will be if those sounds begin to fade away.
Hearing issues can put a damper on your autumn experiences, but fortunately, many hearing issues can be avoided or managed with simple safeguards. By taking proactive steps to protect your hearing, you can ensure you don’t miss the sound of this fall’s magic.
Safeguard your hearing from loud noises
Loud noises are one of the most prevalent causes of both temporary and permanent hearing impairment. Hearing loss can begin to occur when you’re exposed to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) resulting in damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
What are typical sources of harmful noise?
- Heavy traffic: 85 dB
- Sirens: 120 dB
- Outdoor concerts and events: Often 90-140 dB
Periodically attending a loud event can result in hearing loss that is typically temporary and will improve over a day or two. More sustained exposure to high decibel levels, including regularly attending concerts or using loud headphones on a daily basis, can also lead to permanent problems.
Guidelines for protecting your hearing in autumn
- Turn down your headphones: In order to counter damage, listen at a lower volume level and limit headphone usage.
- Avoid sitting beside loudspeakers: While getting right up close to the action may be tempting, the volume level right beside the loudspeakers is harmfully loud and can definitely damage your hearing.
- Wear earplugs at events: If you attend outdoor concerts or Halloween gatherings, use earplugs to lower the volume without muting the experience.
Cold weather and ear health
Remember to safeguard your ears from the cold as temperatures drop. Cold weather can have a huge impact on your hearing, leaving you vulnerable to ear infections. Adults are just as susceptible to ear infections as children, particularly when exposed to cold and windy conditions.
Why ear infections are dangerous
Cold air can cause discomfort, temporary hearing loss, and pain because it can cause fluid buildup and inflammation of the middle ear. If an ear infection is neglected, it can affect both your hearing health and your general health, resulting in more serious health issues.
Preventive measures for cold weather
- Wear ear protection: Keep your ears warm by completely covering them with a hat, earmuffs, or a headband.
- Pay attention to symptoms: If you feel pain, fluid draining from the ear, or experience sudden hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider right away for assessment and treatment.
Safe ear cleaning guidelines
While earwax is frequently viewed as a nuisance, it plays a vital role in keeping your ears healthy by trapping dust, debris, and insects. However, too much earwax can block your ear canal and lead to considerable problems.
You should never clean your ears with cotton swabs as they can jam earwax further into the ear canal and potentially cause ear damage. Here are some better cleaning suggestions:
- Hydrogen peroxide drops: Utilize a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or an over-the-counter earwax solution to soften and clear away excess wax. After the drops have been in your ear for several minutes, tip your head to allow for drainage.
- Consult a professional: Come in to see us if you think you may have a wax blockage or if you’re unsure how to best clean your ears. We can prevent further problems by making use of specialized tools to safely clear out the earwax.
Hearing loss related to medication
Some medications can have unexpected side effects, including hearing problems. Your hearing can be impaired by some common medications, such as diuretics, antibiotics, and large doses of aspirin.
Let your doctor know if you detect any hearing changes after you start using a new medication. Whether your hearing loss is because of a new medication, and if so, what to do about it, are things they will assist you with.
Take action at the first indication of hearing loss
Seasonal experiences in autumn are full of wonderful sounds, and the ability to hear them clearly is something you don’t want to lose. Make an appointment for a consultation if you detect any changes to your hearing.